Classical Language and Texts: Greek V: Imperial Greek Prose

Module title	Classical Language and Texts: Greek V: Imperial Greek Prose
Module code	CLA3059
Academic year	2023/4
Credits	30
Module staff	Dr Daniel King (Convenor)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks	11	11

Number students taking module (anticipated)	8

Module description

This module offers you the opportunity for detailed study and literary appreciation of Greek literature in the original language. By reading a themed selection of texts within their historical, intellectual and literary-cultural contexts, as well as engaging with modern interpretations of these works, you will broaden your knowledge of Greek literature and develop sophisticated skills of literary analysis.

Module aims - intentions of the module

Building on CLA2205 (or equivalent), this advanced level Greek module aims to produce advanced understanding of the language, style and significance of Greek prose writers of the Imperial period, especially through a close study of some of the most important Greek authors in the Roman Empire.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

1. Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the language, style and content of the texts studied
2. Describe in detail and provide an advanced analysis of the form and significance of Imperial Greek writing

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

3. Demonstrate advanced linguistic mastery of ancient Greek
4. Demonstrate enhanced critical and interpretative skills, including critical engagement with scholarship
5. Locate literary texts in their cultural context

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

6. Show a capacity for independent study and research, including skills in the construction and organisation of arguments
7. Demonstrate confidence and clarity in written communication
8. Contribute effectively to discussion with peers and instructor

Syllabus plan

Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:

Seminars with instructor and students exploring closely the Greek texts and their significance.
Seminars focused on key passages throughout the texts, with instructor and students sharing in translation, interpretation and discussion.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
44	256	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching	44	Seminars (1 x 2 hours per week)
Guided Independent Study	256	Independent study

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Participation in seminars	In class	1-8	Oral feedback from instructor and peers

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
90	0	10

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Contribution and participation in seminar learning activities (discussion fora, group activities and discussion, etc.)	10	Regular meaningful participation equivalent to one 1000 word homework exercise	1-8	Oral and written feedback
Written exercises (various exercises set over terms)	40	4 x (max) 1000 words	1-7	Mark, written comments and oral feedback session
Essay	50	3000 words	1-7	Mark, written comments and oral feedback session
	0
	0
	0

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Contribution and participation in learning activities (discussion fora, group activities and discussion, etc.)	Reflective essay on learning experience (1000 words)	1-8	Referral/Deferral period
Written exercises (various exercises set over terms)	Written exercises	1-7	Referral/Deferral period
Essay	Essay	1-7	Referral/Deferral period

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

Indicative list of prescribed texts:

Russell, D (ed.) Dio Chrysostom Orations VII XII XXVI (2010, CUP).
Hopkinson, N (ed.) Lucian A Selection (CUP, 2008).

Other materials provided by lecturer from relevant editions. A detailed reading plan and secondary bibliography will be supplied by the module lecturer.

Indicative list of further reading:

Bowersock, G., Fiction as History (University of California Press, 1994).
Bowersock, G., Greek Sophists in the Roman Empire (Clarendon, 1969).
Swain, S., (ed.) Dio Chrysostom: Politics, Letters, and Philosophy (Clarendon, 2000).
Swain, S., Hellenism and Empire: Language, Classicism, and Power in the Greek World, AD 50–250 (Clarendon, 1996).
Whitmarsh, T., Greek Literature and the Roman Empire (OUP, 2002).
Whitmarsh, T., Ancient Greek Literature (Polity, 2004).

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

ELE – https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=2287

Key words search

Classics, Greek, Prose

Credit value	30
Module ECTS	15
Module pre-requisites	CLA2205 Classical Language and Texts: Greek IV or equivalent.
Module co-requisites	None
NQF level (module)	6
Available as distance learning?	No
Origin date	2011
Last revision date	08/07/2020